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Saba Celebrates Its Heritage on Saba Day

Saba Day Date: December 6

Saba Day is a public holiday in Saba.

Saba is the smallest island of the Netherlands Antilles, a chain of islands in the Caribbean. Saba, pronounced “sayba”, is mainly a volcanic island with a single road, mountain forests, and world class diving and snorkeling spots. Saba is becoming a mecca for eco-tourism and is known as “The Unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean. Saba Day is the island’s national holiday to celebrate Saba, the Saba Flag, the Saba Coat of Arms, and the Saban anthem.

History of Saba Day in Saba

The Netherland Antilles are: Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten and Saba. Each of these islands has their own local holiday for celebrations. Legends say that Christopher Columbus sighted Saba on his voyage across the Atlantic, but preferred not to set foot on the island due to the dangerous volcanic rock formations. Even so, the island was colonized in 1640 by the Dutch, who were sent from Sint Eustatius, a neighboring island. In 1664, Saba was invaded by buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan, who expelled the Dutch. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the island of Saba was a safe haven for pirates in the Caribbean. Finally the Netherlands took over the island again in 1816, and it has remained under Dutch power since. Even so, Saba enjoys great autonomy and has its own flag and anthem. Since 1976, that Sabans have celebrated their own Saba Day, as a demonstration of national pride.

Saba’s Saba Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Saba Day may as well be known as Saba weekend, since it is a weekend long festivities all over the island that include competitions, sports, barbecues, dance, and band contests. Also during the weekend there are official celebrations with openings and inaugurations by the local politicians, ecumenical religious celebrations, and award ceremonies to honor distinguished Sabans. The celebrations do not end without the community dancing the night away to the sound of music from local disk jockeys.